John makes shock exit from Strictly

Broadcaster bows out of Strictly Come Dancing

By Anonymous

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The 64-year-old had become a firm favourite with the viewing public, but his dancing faced scathing criticism from the judging panel every week. In a statement released today, John said: "The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. "Even for me that would be a joke too far."

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John, who had been accused of turning the show into a "soap opera" by judge Arlene Phillips, was saved each week by the voting public. The veteran broadcaster, who was partnered with Russian dancer Kristina Rhianoff, will return on Saturday for a final dance on the programme. In a press conference this afternoon, John joked that he had planned a routine to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Murder On The Dance Floor but decided to "leave before the fighting starts."

John and partner Kristina were saved each week by the public vote

Strictly judge Arlene Phillips told the BBC: "I'm always sad if a contestant leaves of choice, because you are always expecting to let the public vote them in or out - but John is his own person and he has his own reasons for doing this."Arlene, who had admitted she would feel "desolate" if John won the show, said she didn't feel responsible for his departure.

Arlene Phillips cruelly dubbed John

She said: "Not really. If you look back, we've actually been quite nice on this programme." The judge added that John had provided Strictly with many "funny, funny moments." John told fans today: "I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing. "It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible."

John's dancing came under attack from the judges' but provided entertainment for viewers

BBC One controller Jay Hunt added: "We are very sad to see him go."- GET ALL THE LATEST CELEBRITY NEWS - __BREAK6__